Proactive Pharmaceutical Care Interventions Improve Patients’ Adherence to Lipid-Lowering Medication

Bachground: Lipid-lowering drugs are effective preventive medication for patients at risk of cardiovascular complications. However, medication adherence is suboptimal, thereby decreasing therapy effectiveness. Pharmaceutical care interventions may increase therapy adherence. Objective: To assess the effect of a proactive pharmaceutical care intervention program, Medication Monitoring and Optimization (MeMO), on therapy discontinuation and adherence with lipid-lowering drugs as well as patients’ satisfaction with the intervention program. Methods: This prospective intervention study included 1002 patients initiating lipid-lowering drug therapy from 9 Dutch community pharmacies. In the intervention group (n = 500), the MeMO program was used, comprising continuous monitoring of patients’ adherence to lipid-lowering drugs and personal counseling with nonadherent patients. The intervention group was compared with a historical reference group (n = 502) receiving usual care. Outcomes were therapy discontinuation...